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entative Plan Jor a Proposed Investigation into the 


Physiological Action of Ethyl Alcohol in Man 


Kffects of Alcohol on Man 


NUTRITION LABORATORY Fae 


CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON 


lg ae 
: 250 ae 
as | 


PROPOSED TENTATIVE PROGRAM FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF 
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL TO BE CARRIED 
OUT IN THE NUTRITION LABORATORY OF THE CARNEGIE 
INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON, BOSTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 


It is a well established fact that ethyl alcohol, when taken in small doses, 
the total amount per day not exceeding 75 grams, is completely oxidized in the 
body and thereby replaces nutrients as a source of energy. This fact suggests a 
large number of experimental problems in the domains of physiology and physi- 
ological chemistry which, when studied by the newer methods, should give re- 
sults of fundamental importance. The calorimetric researches of Professor 
Atwater and his associates in Middletown, Connecticut, -were extended over 
long periods, usually of 24 hours. The evidence regarding the rapidity of the 
combustion of alcohol is very uncertain and it therefore seems desirable to again 
study this source of energy and to determine if possible its relation to severe 
muscular work. 

The Nutrition Laboratory is especially well fitted for studying problems 
regarding body temperature, the respiratory exchange, and calorimetry, both 
during rest and during severe muscular work. Furthermore, with the recent 
introduction of the string galvanometer and photographic registration apparatus, 
many observations which have hitherto never been made of the influence upon 
physiological processes of the ingestion of alcohol may be accurately recorded. 
Concurrently, there has been established in the Nutrition Laboratory an equip- 
ment for psychophysical studies based upon the investigations of Professor 
Raymond Dodge. The extensive research on the metabolism during severe 
muscular work carried out at the Nutrition Laboratory during the winter of 
1911-1912 by Dr. E. P. Cathcart has considerably illuminated our knowledge of 
the metabolism under these conditions, and the possibility of altering the meta- 
bolism by the ingestion of varying amounts of alcohol should prove a most 
practical field for research. 

Believing that_a fundamental investigation by modern technique of the in- 
fluence of moderate amounts of alcohol upon the body processes is of great im- 
portance, it is planned to begin such a study in the fall of 1913. In accordance 
with plans which have been formulating during the last two or more years, I 
have prepared an outline for this research which I propose to submit to the 
leading physiologists throughout the world, many of whom I shall personally 
see on a forthcoming tour of Europe. It is my hope to secure from these men 
adverse criticism of the plan, together with suggestions for any changes or 
additions which may seem desirable, so that on my return a revised schedule 
can be prepared which can truthfully be said to meet the consensus of opinion 
of practically all physiologists and physiological chemists. If this plan can be 
successfully carried ot, the investigation ought to be undertaken under the 
best auspices and with the most careful planning of any alcohol investigation 
thus far attempted. The resources of the Laboratory can be devoted to this 
investigation for a sufficient length of time to satisfy the majority of scientists 
as to the accuracy of the results obtained. The investigation may require a con- 
siderable proportion of the time for a number of years. 

In thus preparing this elaborate program, there is not the slightest desire 
to preempt any portion of the field, for as Professor Lusk recently said: “The 
importance of the problem is too great not to have the work repeated in as 
large a measure as possible in at least two different laboratories.” 

I shall appreciate most fully any adverse criticisms that you may see fit to 
make of this program. Any additions to it will be most gratefully received, and 
obviously full credit will be given for such suggestions. 

Will you not kindly send to this laboratory copies of such reprints as you 
have available bearing in any way upon the subject here outlined. Such reprints 
will materially lighten our work and insure a correct and adequate consideration 
of your own researches. 


(2) 


ie i: ee 


| The investigation will be undertaken primarily to establish the important 
physiological relationships existing between the ingestion of alcohol and_ the 
metabolism and the activities of the body functions. 

As an important correlative investigation, it is planned to carry out simul- 
taneously an investigation on the psychological effects of alcohol, employing 
the technique that will make the results as objective as possible. 

The program for the psychological study to accompany this research has 
been prepared by Professor Raymond Dodge, the experimental psychologist of 
the Nutrition Laboratory. 


FRANCIS G. BENEDICT, 


PHYSIOLOGICAL PROGRAM. 


I. SuspyecTs (numerous in each class). 


1. Non-users of alcohol. 
2. Moderate occasional users. 
3. Habitual drinkers (exceeding 30 c.c. absolute alcohol per day.) 
4, Excessive drinkers (with whom the effects of abstinence should be 
likewise studied). 
II. Atconor Doses. 
Controls if possible under conditions in which the subject will not know 
when alcohol is administered! 
1, Ethyl alcohol in various forms. 
Pure alcohol, distilled spirits, wines, champagne, beers, ales and 
hard cider should be used. 
The Etaation in effects of the different kinds of liquors, if any, to be de- 
termined on one or two simple physiological or metabolic processes. If the 


effects in the above are not found directly proportional to the amount of abso- 
(3) 


lute alcohol present, this fact should be elaborated in a subsequent research, 
and this present eon should adhere to pure ethyl alcohol + water. 
2. Doses, amounts. 
a. one single dose, varying amounts. 
b. repeated doses at varying intervals. 


3. How administered. 


= 


by mouth (drinking). 
b. by mouth (stomach tube). 
c. rectal enema. 
d. inhalation of alcohol vapor (Leonard Hill). 
e. by the skin. 

Immerse hand or arm in vessel (arm plethysmograph) con- 
taining moderately dilute alcohol.. Is there any cutaneous 
absorption ? 

Perhaps stimulate cutaneous circulation by massage or elec- 
tricity and note alcohol absorption. 

4. When administered. 
a. empty stomach (cocktail) between meals drinking. 


b. with food. 
1. with protein. 
2. with fats. 
3. with carbohydrates. 


4. with condiments. 


5. with glucose or nutritive enemata. 
(4) 


ey 


. 


ote i | 
6, after or with a very hearty meal, i. e., when stimulated by 


a 


protein large amounts, and when large amounts of 
food with little protein or little stimulation. 

c. during fatigue. 

E 


1. mental fatigue. 


2. physical fatigue. 


d. during sleep (wake up from sound sleep and take dose and 
sleep afterwards). 


III. Arsorption or ALCOHOL. 


a. from stomach. After introduction into stomach, use stomach 


pump. (Lavage.) ; 
from colon. After enemata, irrigate, determining alcohol in re- 


: sidue after varying lengths of time. 
s 


¢. by digestive tract vs. by respiratory tract. Which is quicker? 


Results to be noted by respiratory exchange. Leonard Hill. 


rption by skin to be tested. 


IV. Crrcuvation. 


Radial artery 
Carotid artery 
Capillary plethysmograph. 


b. 


Studying changes in the character and in rate of propagation of 


pulse waves. 


Effect of irritation of the stomach on the heart beat. 


Pulse rate. 


1. resting subject, nichtern, lying quietly until pulse has reached 
minimum level before alcohol is administered. 
1. Use minute pulse as unit. 
2. Use pulse in two respiratory rhythms as a unit (electro- 


cardiogram). 
2. during sleep, if possible. 


3. During muscular work.’ 

a. riding a bicycle ergometer at definite rate of revolution 
and degree of resistance. Ride till pulse constant, 
then take alcohol while riding. 

b. is maximum pulse level affected by alcohol taken just prior 
to muscular work? Time to reach same or actual 
level. 

c. is time of return to minimum pulse lying down after work 


altered? Is actual level after work altered? 


4. During various forms of mental activity. 


(6) 


P lethysmograph observations. 

is rs - . 

b. Blood pressure. 
1. resting. 


severe muscular work. 


a 
q Quasi-continuous records. (Erlanger sphygmomanometer) ‘ 
after rectal administration. : 
be tiie alteration in cutaneous circulation. 
Dts parallelism noted in temperature curves from rectum, groin, 
axilla er (Also skin temperature curve if possible). 
(See body temperature). 
Effect of alcohol on splanchnic circulation, Rapidity of stomach | 
‘4 


and intestinal movements. (See digestion). 


of blood flow (Krogh). 


a Morphology. 


b. Blood gases. 


; Note effect of alcohol on tissue respiration. Is dissociation curve 


a 


of blood changed? 


V. Respiration. 


the sensitivity of the respiratory center (Lind- 


ay 


ho 


Alveolar air. 
Does alcohol affect the alveolar air 
1. by reason of respiratory center changes or 
2. by affecting the alkalinity of the blood? 
Volume of lungs. 
Does alcohol affect elasticity of bronchial passage or alveoli? 
Tidal air. 
Vital capacity, etc. 


Dead space in breathing. 


4. Respiration rate, depth, rhythm. 


5p 


Spirometer tracings under all conditions (best done in connection with 
experiments on gaseous exchange). 

Rich oxygen mixtures. 

Is respiratory quotient altered by breathing oxygen rich mixtures, when 
the (easily and aii) oxidizable alcohol is present? (pulmon- 
ary combustion). 

Holding the breath. 

Does alcohol alter “breaking point” 

a. after breathing high oxygen? 
b. after forced deep breathing? 
Paying special attention to inhaling oxygen containing alcohol vapor. 


(Leonard Hill.) i is ae - 


(8) 


VI, DicEsTION AND SECRETION, 
1. Motibility of stomach. 
X-Ray studies. 
Effect of alcohol on rapidity of movements and continuance of move- 
ments. 
Hunger (Cannon, Carlson). 
2. Diuresis. 
VII. Nutrition (Metabolism). 
1. Alcohol and general and total metabolism. 
Effect on character of katabolism. 
a. Respiratory quotient as index. 

If man at rest on high carbohydrate diet on preceding days 
has respiratory quotient ntichtern of .90, how will alcohol 
ingestion affect the respiratory quotient? 

Is there a selective combustion for alcohol? If so, respiratory 
quotient should approach .666. 


b. If a ntichtern quotient of .78 is obtained by regulation of diet 
on preceding days and alcohol + sugar is given will quo- 
tient 

1. rise indicating prevailing carbonhydrate combustion? 
2. or fall indicating prevailing combustion of alcohol? 

c. Relative combustion rates of alcohol and various sugars as de- 
termined by above method. What amount of various 
sugars will offset the ingestion of alcohol to prevent low- 


ering the quotient? 
(9 


Effect on amount of katabolism and energy output. 
a. Series of ntichtern experiments with respiration apparatus, subject 
very quiet, pulse minimum, etc. 
then alcohol and note effect on total katabolism on 


1. Carbon dioxide production. 
2. oxygen absorption. 

This experiment can be advantageously made simultaneous with 
observations on pulse, temperature and respiration. 
Is intensity of effect proportional to dose? 

Is duration of effect proportional to dose? 

For example, will a 50-gram dose double the effect on the kata- 
bolism noted by a peice Aoce. or will it simply prolong it 
twice as long? 

b. If any effect on metabolism, is there a compensatory effect later? 

i. e., Is there an after-effect? What it its nature? 

c. Protein ingestion results in a greatly stimulated katabolism. 

What is effect of alcohol on this increase? Study effect on rapidity 
of beginning of initial increase, intensity of rise, prolongation 
of effect and return to normal base line. 

d. Ingestion of cane sugar or laevulose likewise increased noticeably 


the total katabolism. 


Has alcohol any effect on this increase? 


(10) 


2. Alcohol and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. 

Effect of alcohol on the tolerance of various sugars. 

Influence of alcohol upon the amount of reducing material in 
the urine ( Peters’ Method). 

Study this from the standpoint of the influence of alcohol 
upon the oxidative powers of the body. If alcohol ves 
simultaneously with sugars and alcohol burned first, then 
possible lowering of sugar tolerance. To what degree? 
Are various sugars affected differently ? 

3. Acidosis. 
a. Meat-fat diet or non-carbohydrate diet induces an acidosis in nor- 
mal man. 

1, Will alcohol ingestion retard or hasten the onset of the 
acidosis ? P 

2. In such an acidosis what is effect of alcohol ingestion? 

3. Alcohol + large amounts of protgin in an acidosis. Is in- 
creased metabolism due to protein ingestion plus the in- 
creased metabolism of acidosis affected by the alcohol? 

Will the body burn alcohol and facilitate the storage of the 
deaminized portions of the protein molecule? 

b. Alveolar air and respiration volume. 
By Haldane’s apparatus and a the spirometer on the universal 


respiration apparatus study the relationship between alcohol 
(11) 


ingestion and the alveolar air in acidosis also the respiratory 


volume. 


\ 
4. Protein metabolism. 
a. Nitrogen output. 
Probably affected by alcohol diuresis. 


If an increase, is it due to 


1. Washing out, or 


2. Increased cell katabolism? 


Controls should be made with distilled water diuresis. 


Nitrogen partition in blood may be studied by Folin’s methods 


b. Purine metabolism. 


1. Uric acid in blood. 


By Folin’s new colorimetric method; study effect of alcohol 
on uric acid in blood. 


2. Urine. On purine-free diet. 


With large volumes of urine by diuresis produced by alcohol 
and control by drinking large amounts of water. 
3. Does alcohol ingestion alter exogenous or endogenous purine 


metabolism? ( Beebe.) 


c. Effect of alcohol on the nitrogen partition and the total N balance on 


a. Starch-cream diet. 
b. Protein-rich mixed diet. 


c. Meat-fat diet (Kayser’s work). 
(12) 


d. After-effect of severe muscular work on N output. Is it affected by 
by alcohol ingestion ? 
Is it exaggerated or not? 
Compare also N partition under these conditions. 
5. Intermediary metabolism. 
a. Carbonaeceous material in urine. 
Any change in character of solids in urine. 
C: N ratio. 
Cal: N ratio. 
A possible index of a perturbed intermediary metabolism (Higgins 
and Benedict). 
6. Energy metabolism. 
a. Muscle tonus. Is it altered? Muscle hardness (Exner). 
b. As muscular work demands a rapid oxidation of material, increases 


the ventilation of the lungs, quickens the circulation, and there 


is in part at least a selective combustion of carbohydrate, a 

series of experiments to study the oxidation of alcohol by the 

body under the influence of intense muscular activity is of 
fundamental importance. 

1. Is there a selective combusion for alcohol during severe 
muscular work? | 

With no alcohol the respiratory quotient always tends to rise 

during severe-work. _ If alcohol is burned in preference to 

protein, fat or carbohydrates, the quotient would be 


markedly lowered. 
(13) 


2. When alcohol and carbohydrates are ingested and muscular 
work follows, is the metabolism chiefly of carbohydrate, 
i. e., high quotient or alcohol low quotient ? 
3. Ina body depleted of glycogen by severe muscular work 
a. is the carbohydrate first stored if fed with alcohol, i. e., 
does the respiratory quotient remain low? 
b. when alcohol is given is there any evidence of formation of 
glycogen from either protein or fat to replace the 
store, the maintenance-combustion being from 


alcohol? 


4. Does muscular work increase the capacity of the body to burn 
alcohol ? 
To what extent? 
Maximum amount burned? 
During muscular work are larger amounts tolerated before 
signs (incipient) of intoxication appear? 
5. Is appearance of “second wind” quickened or retarded by alco- 
hol ingestion? 
6. After effects of muscular work as influenced by alcohol? 
a. Rapidity of return to normal metabolism. 
Is rate of return altered, i. e., does alcohol help out on the 


rapidity of recuperation? 


(14) 


—~ff i ne -_ ey _— 


Is pulse base line lower or ue ‘same after work as with- 

out alcohol? 

Do alcohol and glucose superimpose their effects on after- _ 
work period or is glucose stored and alcohol burned? ; 
Is a larger amount of alcohol burned per hour after work 

when glycogen supply is low? 

Heart beat, character of wave, etc., after severe muscular work. 

Does alcohol alter it? 

Electocardioagrams, ete. 

Intensity of work. Capacity for work. Endurance. 

Is it affected? Can subject do more or less with alcohol? 

Maximum working capacity. Bicycle ergometer sprint!! 

How long and how high revolutions per minute? Is the 

efficiency of the body as a machine based upon the rate 3 
of speed with a constant load altered by taking alcohol? : 
Any compensating-after effects? ; ‘ 


In a prolonged fatigue experiment, i. e., riding strong pace 


and load. How test endurance? Ratio of external mus- 
cular work and total energy output? 
ulation, _ 


Testing subject. Secure normal diurnal variation, i. e., after 


lar activity, 
et Cy. 


Does alcohol administration alter character of the curve taken 
from minute to minute. Rectal temperature by thermo 
element. Benedict and Slack apparatus. 

Body temperature rise produced by muscular work. 

Is it affected in intensity or time by alcohol? 

Body temperature fall after work. 

a. Rapidity of fall. 

b. Level after work. 

Sensitivity to temperature. Local plotting of skin area to tem- 
perature reaction (Tigerstedt’s lab. technique). Is physi- 
ological zero altered? (Aesthesiometer tests should be of 
interest. ) 

Reaction to exposure to cold air 15° C. 

Shivering keeps up temperature. 

Will shivering take place after alcohol is given? 

Get body temperature curve of subject and expose to cold air 
by disrobing. Is curve altered? 

Is alcohol given before it is altered? 
Same experiments on drunken man. What effect of dis- 


robing on temperature curve? 


(16) 


PSYCHOLOGICAL PROGRAM. 
wed by Raymond Dodge, Experimental Psychologist of the Nutrition 


Laboratory. 


me 
_ 


is assumed without discussion that any complete investigation of the 
Ss of the ingestion of ethyl alcohol must include not only its immediate and 
ffe s on the general metabolism of the body, but also, as far as possible, 
on special tissues that are influenced in any peculiar way by that par- 
I ind of alcohol. 
eems obvious further that among those special tissues, nervous tissue and 


d organs of sense and motion are of particular importance because of their 


itimate connection with intelligence, personality and conduct, and their bearing 


ial welfare and economic efficiency. Unfortunately, only the simpler and 
ie more elementary neuro-muscular processes can be studied directly by present 
tory technique. Of the important higher mental and moral processes there 


s at present scant probability for securing experimental data of scientific relia- 


lity. _ Modifications of the moral controls, of business judgment, tact and relia- 
of mental stability and balance, are not experimentally measurable in any 


‘t way. They must be studied, if at all, by some indirect method. This tech- 


als 


is a serious limitation to all experimental investigations of the psy- 
effects of the ingestion of alcohol since it is in precisely these direc- 


that general experience indicates that the effects of alcohol are probably 
€ “ 


us. It is consequently all the more necessary to choose the lines of 


in vestigation with experimental tact for probable correlations. The direct 
Wie? war Ti 6¢ ) L wee aN 
a] ey ‘ 


investigations must not only be reliable in themselves, but they should indicate 
as much of the higher and more complex mental mechanism as possible. Con- 
sequently, of the indefinite number of experimental facts concerning elementary 
processes that might be collected, actual experimentation should be determined by 
the following principles: 

(1) The technique must be scientifically adequate to the precise purpose 
in view and reliable with respect to instrumental constants, latency, variability, 
etc. 

(2) Relatively elementary neuro-muscular processes should be investigated 
in their simplest forms so far as possible. Complex processes should be so chosen 
as to be definitely related to the elementary processes aad directly or indirectly 
analyzable into their several factors. 

(3) All experiments should directly contribute to a systematic analysis of 
neuro-muscular processes and their variations. The real value of an adequate 
test consists in its correlations or possibility of correlation. 

(a) It is of the utmost importance that there should be the highest possible 
comparability of data obtained from different individuals and from the same 
individuals under different conditions. All instrumental constants should be 
known and the technique should be reproducible. 

(b) Unless the personal peculiarities and idiosyncracies of voluntary at- 
tention and effort are directly the subject of investigation or are otherwise capa- 
ble of estimation, experiments should be as independent as possible of the caprice 


of the subject. This is particularly true of the elementary processes. Uncon- 


(8) 


LY a 


ae . 
plex tests, such as ergographic experiments, addition and multiplica- 


iments, are particularly questionable. One must know whether de- 
F hievement is due to decreased specific capacity or to fatigue of gen- 
hological controls, such as interest and incentive. 

A Il experiments should be as free as possible from practice effects. 
, practiced processes that require no special training should be chosen 
ver possible. This excludes most of the common reaction experiments 
fo a few trained subjects. Under all circumstances base lines should be 
enough to include a measure of any practice effects that may develop. 

i In all psychological experiments it is desirable, and in the investiga- 
1 of processes subject to the caprice of the individual it is essential, that the 
ihe of alcohol of one subject or set of subjects should be rigidly controlled 
ther normal subjects and by the same subjects under normal circumstances. 
I believe that the ingestion of alcohol should be masked as completely 
I do not know the best technique. Suggestions on this matter are 
ly requested. : 

It seems desirable also to get quantitative data wherever possible of 


te neuro-muscular effects; especially should this be studied with reference 
leterioration of memory residua, and associations established under 


e, and conversely. 

a regard it as extremely important that oe “s made on habit- 
he 4 

-and excessive users of Bicohol under arama It seems to me 
i 


mporte ie to study the psycho-physiology of the facts whose extreme form 


ented in the mental complex Dy raving, 
19 


SECTION I. 
SENSITIVITY OF THE END ORGANS OF SENSE AND Motion. 

Since all stimuli must be given through the end organs of sense, and since 
muscular contraction is the most accessible indicator of nervous action, the in- 
fluence of alcohol on the organs of sense and motion is a primary, though prob- 
ably not a very important, consideration. 

(a) For most accurately reproducible threshold experiments I propose the 
use of Martin’s electrical threshold apparatus and technique. Aesthesiometric 
and pain threshold tests depend on a large number of variables extremely diffi- 
cult to control. Sound, taste, smell, and muscular sense thresholds do not seem 
to be of sufficient probable significance to warrant special investigation. The 
pain threshold, on the contrary, is not unimportant. It may be that many 
changes in the higher complexes depend on modified sensitivity to pain. Sugges- 
tions for technique would be especially welcome. 

(b) Since vision will be the sense most used in the higher tests I recom- 
mend tests for changes in visual acuity, preferably the E test, after proper cor- 
rection of the subject for astigmatism. 

(c) The following muscle conditions should be determined: (1) muscle 
threshold for electrical stimulus (Faradic current); (2) fatigue and recupera- 
tion. The development and duration of relatively permanent muscle contraction 
as the result of work. I propose the use of reciprocal innervation of the 
autogonistics of the middle finger moving back and forth as rapidly as possible 


for 30", a rest of 5” and renewed innervation for 5”. This is a modification of — 


(20) 


ms eliminating the spe (3) steadiness of muscle contraction, 
. 

ual nystagmus in lateral fixation or direc Wea suverent of involuntary 
of the hand; (4) velocity of muscle contraction. In order to elimi- 
tary control I suggest photographic registration of eye movements, 
s explained in “The Ocular Reactions of the Insane” by Diefendorf 
Dodge; (5) the corresponding metabolic demands should be measured 
tly or by their effect on the pulse rate. In fact, pulse rate should be taken 
‘test. I regard this as of the utmost importance as indicated in my 
“Mental work’”?; (6) Most of these muscle and threshold experiments 
e made before and after severe physical work and periods of rest. 
SECTION -II. 

y, SENSITIVITY, CONFIGURATION, REFRACTORY PHASE AND RECUPERATION 


OF THE SIMPLE REFLEXES. 


the entire psychophysical mechanism must be studied as a complica- 


; to Principle (3), i. e., in the simple reflexes. The refractory phase 
peculiar importance in connection with the problem of fatigability 
‘ation. Because of the adequacy of the respective techniques I sug- 
lar study of the knee jerk and the protective wink reflexes. 


he knee jerk should be measured by muscle thickening, with special © 


i < 


o latent time, sensitivity, height and configuration of the curve, and 


A experimental study of the ocular reactions of the insane from pho- 
records. Brain. Vol. XXX, pp. 451—489. 
Psychological Review, laa. 1913. 

Dies ti (21 


the duration of its return to the abscissa from which it starts. For reasons de- 
scribed in my “Systematic Exploration of the Knee Jerk”! I prefer a pendulum 
hammer stimulus and direct registration of the muscle curve; (2) the protec- 
tive wink reflex should be studied with special reference to latent time, sensi- 
tivity, height and configuration of the curve, and the duration and completeness 
of the subsequent refractory period. For reasons described in my paper on 
the “Refractory phase of the wink reflexes’? the stimulus should be a sound 
stimulus and the registration should be photographic. 
SECTION II. 
CoMPLICATED REACTION ARCS. 

Practiced reactions of more complex arcs which would be comparable in 
different individuals are relatively few. I suggest (1) eye reactions to suddenly 
appearing peripheral visual stimuli. These are in the nature of choice reactions 
and demand a definite space complication of the muscular response. They are 
thoroughly practiced for all normal adults and relatively independent of the 
caprice of the subject. (See “Ocular reactions of the insane”); (2) Since 
speech is the best practiced universal (for literates) reaction, I should combine 
these records of the eye movements with speech reactions, naming the letter 
presented (one of 2 or 4), as carried out in my “Experimental study of visular 


fixation”; (3) I believe further that in specially trained individuals their regular 


(1) A systematic exploration of a normal knee jerk, its technique, the 
form of the muscle contraction, its amplitude, its latent time, and its theory. 
Verworn’s. Zeitschrift fiir allg. Physiologie, Vol. XII, pp. 1—58. 

(2) The refractory phase of the protective wink reflex. Am. Jour. of 
Psychology, January, 1913. 

(3) An experimental study of visual fixation. Monograph supplements of 
the Psychological Review, Vol. VIII, No. 4, Esp. pp. 53—S5. 

(22) 


Bef er Z 
should be studied as in the Kraepelin and Aschaffenberg 


SECTION IV. 


Memory AND Association Tests. 

dis inctively mental functions chiefly involve memory and association! 
red form of memory and association tests should be used. They 
not be too time consuming or too exacting in the subject. (a) For mem- 

t the speech reaction to a “normal” series of 12 gradually appearing 

€ repetitions of the series should oe a quantitative preservation 
out actually learning the series. This test has the tentative approval 
liiller (Géttingen) ; (b) Controlled association test should be made ° 
the form of Kraepelin mathematical tests or some similar method. 

e must be taken with these tests.2 Free association tests for the possi- 

es in the character of the associates should ke made with special refer- 

a time of response and pulse rate; (c) I also recommend tests on the 
reading aloud, including photographic registration of the fixation 

s of he eyes (Dodge and Dearkorn) and a record of the pulse rate. 
SECTION V. Pet 
ed with the above experiments there should be some investigation E 
erance of the subject, i. e., of the fatigability of the higher . as 
as = 


ontrols involved in persistent effort and prolonged voluntary 


. 
- 


Wypothens for imner psychophysics”. Psy. Rev. 112, 
A study in PPAR aIRAS Psy. Rev. Jan. 1913. 
ie (23 


(a) In connection with Exp. 2, Section I, I propose reciprocal innervation 
of one finger to the “breaking point”, i. e., where the subject stops. 

This might be studied in connection with the “breaking point” of inhibited 
respiration. 

(b) In connection with photographic registration of the eye movements, I 
propose persistent fixation of a given mark under experimental change of the 
visual environment. 

(c) If a satisfactory analysis of the McDougall test could be made, I 
should favor its use. 

The above outline particularly disclaims being a catalogue of all mental and 
physiological investigations that might be undertaken with scientific profit. Of 
the infinite number of possible observations, selection has been made; first, on 
the basis of technique; second, on the basis of simplicity of the elementary 
processes; and third, on the basis of an attempt at a systematic exploration of 
the effect of alcohol on psychophysical processes. 

The purpose in printing this outline is that it may be submitted to the lead- 
ing physiologists, psychologists, physiological psychologists, neurologists and 
neuro-pathologists in the hope that we may have the benefit of any adverse 
criticism and any suggestions for changes or additions that may occur to them. 
It is particularly desirable that the final program shall meet the consensus of 
opinion of experts throughout the world. Naturally, credit for suggestions and 
changes will be given with scrupulous care. 


(24) 


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